JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Preoperative MRI abnormalities are not associated with poor outcomes or altered surgical planning in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • 0Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Islamic Republic of Iran.
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology : Orthopedie Traumatologie +

|

August 23, 2025

|

August 23, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Preoperative MRI findings like meniscus tears or bone marrow lesions do not significantly affect outcomes after knee replacement surgery. Surgeons should combine imaging with clinical judgment for better patient care.

Area Of Science

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Radiology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background

  • Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a common procedure for knee osteoarthritis.
  • Preoperative imaging, particularly MRI, is often used to assess knee joint structures.
  • The clinical significance of preoperative MRI findings in UKA remains debated.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the association between preoperative MRI abnormalities and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing UKA.
  • To determine if meniscal injuries, bone marrow lesions, or ACL integrity on MRI influence UKA results.

Main Methods

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase).
  • Included studies were quality-assessed using NIH tools.
  • A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to assess the impact of meniscal injury and bone marrow lesions (BMLs) on clinical outcomes using Hedges' g and 95% confidence intervals.

Main Results

  • 18 studies comprising 2751 patients were included in the meta-analysis.
  • Preoperative meniscal injury and bone marrow lesions showed no significant impact on clinical outcomes following UKA.
  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) integrity also did not affect functional outcomes, though cartilage defect findings were inconsistent.

Conclusions

  • Preoperative MRI findings, including meniscus injury, BMLs, and ACL integrity, do not significantly alter clinical outcomes after UKA.
  • These imaging abnormalities may not warrant changes to the surgical plan.
  • Surgeons should integrate MRI findings with clinical assessment and patient factors for informed decision-making.

Keywords: